Page 65 of Never Dare a Duke
“You flirted with me to get what you wanted, invented a story to stay near me. And I’m sure when I acted the besotted fool you counted yourself lucky.”
“No, no I didn’t mean it to be that way,” she protested. “I didn’t expect—I didn’t think we’d—”
“What?”
Now he drew her up hard against him, and she knew she was supposed to feel intimidated by his height and muscle—and she was. And she felt so dreadfully sad. She had not realized how much she’d enjoyed his friendship—but it had never been a real friendship, not with her lies. And how could she admit she had any tender feelings for him? He would despise her even more.
Her voice quavering, she said, “I had thought that you were used to articles about you and your family. I didn’t think I could hurt you. And I’m sorry that—”
He let her go so suddenly she almost fell.
“Don’t you dare apologize now! That means nothing to me. Only the truth matters. What have you been investigating me for? Why is Walton here?”
“If you heard us talk, then you know I know nothing of his purposes. He wouldn’t tell me.”
“Then tell me about you,Miss Shaw.”
His tone oozed ugly sarcasm, and she flinched.
“I am not a journalist for my father’s newspaper—not yet. I have been the literary and drama critic, anonymously, but this was my chance to prove that I could investigate a news story and write as well as any man.”
He was staring at her so hard, she knew he was trying to read the truth in her eyes.
“Then why the hell did you choose me?” he demanded.
She wouldn’t tell him about the rumors of illegality; she didn’t even know if she could believe such a thing about this man. Though he was a duke, she knew that he would never consider himself above the law. But had his family done something on his behalf?
“The public seemed to relish any story of the Cabots,” she said. “And because out of all of your family, you are the only one who seemed without scandal.”
For just a moment, she thought he was the one who flinched, but she couldn’t believe he would lose such control.
She continued, “I thought finding a scandal about you would be so sensational that my father would be forced to publish it.” She was too embarrassed to reveal the state of the newspaper and her parents’ finances. It didn’t matter after all, and it was her own private humiliation. “But as you can see, I’m still here. I didn’t find out your secrets.”
“Not for lack of trying,” he said hoarsely. “And as if I could believe anything you say! You worked your wiles on everyone, from my mother to my sister—hell, to my tutor.”
Her mouth dropped open. “You really did follow me that day.”
“I knew you’d lied about touring the church, knew you’d somehow coerced Lady Gwen into lying for you.”
Abigail briefly closed her eyes and shuddered. “And that was one of the worst things I had to do. It was not fair to use her, and she so innocent.” She prayed he wouldn’t ask more about Gwen; she didn’t want to keep lying to him, but she didn’t want her actions to affect her dearest friend.
“Thatwas the worst thing you had to do?” he demanded. “What about deceiving my family about your motives here?”
She nodded tightly.
“What about searching my room, pretending you wanted to learn how to behave with a man?”
He grabbed her again, hauling her up against him, and she gasped out her response. “You’d startled me! I was desperate for some sort of story you might believe, and since women throw themselves at you—”
“You thought you’d do the same. I could have bedded you right there.”
His breath was hot on her face, and to her mortification, even though she was frightened, she felt something for him; her body still came to life at the touch of his.
“Would you have given your virginity for a story, Abigail?” he said harshly.
She blanched and shook her head.
“No? Maybe you’re so used to lying that you’re even lying to yourself now.”
